Blue Jackets Can't Hold Off Third Period Leads to Flyers Loss – Hockey Writers – Columbus Blue Jackets

The Columbus Blue Jackets were in control for more than 40 minutes on Saturday night. Then it all broke out in the third period. The result was typical in overtime for the Blue Jackets.

Owen Tippett scored the game-winning goal in overtime to lift the Flyers to a 5-4 victory over the Blue Jackets. Morgan Frost scored twice in the Flyers' four-goal third period to erase a 2-0 deficit.

Recap of the game

The Flyers had the better early game. They controlled the ball and had the better chances to score goals. But as time went on, the Blue Jackets found their legs. They also got the opening goal.

Mathieu Olivier scored his ninth of the season. Jamie Drysdale couldn't clear the puck. Olivier's first shot came to Kent Johnson. Johnson found Olivier with a pass in the back of the net. Flyers goalie Sam Ersson couldn't do much about it.

The Blue Jackets were able to double their lead in the second. Ersson fouled the puck behind the net to Sean Kuraly. He then found Mikael Pyyhtia in front to score his second goal in the last three games. Things after 40 minutes seemed to be under control for the Blue Jackets. They even got a Flyers goal canceled due to offside. But the third season opened the floodgates.

Thanks to four goals in less than five minutes in the third, a 2-0 game turned into a thrilling 3-3. Goals from Noah Cates and Kirill Marchenko were set aside for both Frost goals. The green jackets seem to be getting a little out of breath. Head coach Dean Evason said the same thing after the game.

The real shocker came when Zach Werenski collided with Tippett into the wall. Werenski needed help getting into the locker room but was able to get back. That combined with other defenseman injuries allowed the Flyers to push as the Blue Jackets had 4D in the half game.

Great for the Blue Jackets, they took the lead in Jake Christiansen's first game with only 4:11 left. But with the goalkeeper pulling, it was Tyson Foerster who deflected Travis Konecny's shot and the goalkeeper pulled it and held it at 4-4. More time was needed.

Although the Blue Jackets held the lead in overtime including a close miss by Marchenko, the Flyers got a 2-on-1 and Tippett won it. That now means six losses in seven overtimes for the Blue Jackets this season.

Elvis Merzlikins made 25 saves and Ersson made 21. The Flyers led the final shot count 30-25.

The Blue Jackets will go home with one last game before the break against Montreal. The Flyers head to Pittsburgh for their last game before the break before heading west after Christmas.